Mosquito spraying to continue on Staten Island next week

Associated PressHealth Department officials hope to control the spread of West Nile Virus.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To combat the spread of mosquitoes and prevent potential exposure to the West Nile virus, the city Health Department will drop larvicide granules by helicopter on marsh and other non-residential areas of Staten Island at the beginning of next week.

The drop is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting, in the following areas: Arlington, Old Place, Howland Hook, Bloomfield, Chelsea, Travis, Fresh Kills, Richmond and the part of Charleston referred to as Port Mobil. The ZIP codes involved include 10303, 10311, 10314, 10306, 10308 and 10309.

Staten Island AdvanceThe area to be affected is on a large swath on the north and west shores.

The areas being treated are marshy natural areas, which are common breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Helicopters are being used because the areas are difficult to reach with ground vehicles.

The larvicide keeps immature mosquitoes from developing into biting adults.

In the event of bad weather, the treatment will be delayed and will continue through Thursday during the same hours.